The beauty of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I love how unexpected Jesus is. Not how he can be, but how he is. Because, at least in my life, he never works in the same way twice. And I am never bored in the moments that I truly seek him. In fact, in those moments, I'm never more alive!!!

The past week, I have encountered the glorious love of The Lord Jesus Christ in a way I had forgotten existed. A way different than ever before, yet familiar all the same. All week he has been digging at me, taking away the old, and bringing in the new. Getting rid of the muck, and bringing in the light. And it's been beyond words. I've realized things I've allowed into my life that shouldn't be there. Things I didn't even realize didn't bring glory to God. And I wonder why I let them bother me. I look around at the lives of other believers, other believers I respect and admire who do the same things I was doing, yet I somehow know that for me, they're wrong. And to be quite honest, I always wondered why that was. I would think, " Here's this amazing person who loves The Lord, doing the exact same thing is me, yet I constantly feel convicted about it." And then finally, my question was answered. It was SO simple, yet so life changing. On Saturday night I walked into church, and I was expectant. My soul had been craving teaching of the word deeply the last week. I sat with two girlfriends, and the evening service began. I lost myself in worship as I hadn't in months. Surrendering myself to The Lord, and feeling him chip away even more that was me and not him. As we sat and offering went by, I began to feel thankful. I figured a really good worship session was to be my big blessing of the night. And I was wrong. Because it was only PART of it. Our senior Pastor began to give the message, and I felt my heart convicted in ways I hadn't thought of in months, years, ever. He spoke on rediscovering the awe of God. And it was tremendous. There were several things that hit me, but one in particular was when he said " Yes, when we believe in Christ we all as believers have salvation. However, I'm going to be bold enough to say that all of our relationships with Christ aren't the same. Because the more you draw near to God, the more he'll draw near to you. If you want a good relationship with Christ, a life fully lived for him, than you better obey him immediately. " I sat there dumbstruck. That was it! That was the answer!!! When I drew closer to The Lord, things in my life, maybe not even 'bad' things, began to fade away. Probably not because they were inherently evil, but because the closer you draw to The Lord, the better the things he has for you are. Better than you could ever imagine...I walked out of church and knew that this month was to be set aside for The Lord in a way I'd never done before. Let him work his will into my life until he was all that shined through me. Until none of me is left. I know this is a lifelong process, but I also know that forming habits is hard to do when you let every day distractions in. So I deleted my facebook app on my phone. This may sound silly  to most people, but I'm telling you, I haven't checked facebook since Saturday night, and this is what The Lord has already done!

Sunday morning I awoke feeling a sort of "bring on the day" feeling. I was full of joy, and full of The Lord. I knew He was working in ways I couldn't ever expect. I get to church and I begin to work a bakesale with a few of my friends. I bring up this idea I had talked about with one of my friends months ago, and we'd never gotten around to it. But all week I had felt the prompting of The Lord, resurrecting this dream within me. Out of nowhere my friend goes "let me text Cheryl right now so we can talk to her about it." Cheryl is our senior Pastor's wife. To my great surprise, she showed up and loved the idea. We started talking details, and through prayer and fasting, the first meeting of this idea will be happening in November. Holy.Cow. Isn't that crazy?!? A little step of faith for something I've been longing for and God answered it on the spot. HOW GREAT IS HE!?!?!? I then saw a precious friend walking around with her baby boy. I hadn't seen her in years, but we'd always kept up through facebook. She has been a constant source of encouragement in life, and to be quite honest, I knew I was going to miss our correspondence while I was giving facebook up! We chatted for a few minutes and again, I was blown away by how God blesses when we choose to give something up because he asked us to. After first service, I headed to the youth group. The Middle School and High School were meeting together for a day of worship. I always love when we do this, because The Lord seems to always work in great ways. I walk in and greet several students that I've grown to love. Some new some old, and I was excited to see their hearts of worship. It always blesses me. And that service was no exception. It was one of the sweetest worship sessions I have ever been a part of. My heart was so full of love for those kids, love for my Savior, and joy because I knew that there was no turning back. I tell you what, there is nothing better in this world than getting to work with kids, and see them fall deeper in love with Jesus. For the first time in years, I had tears fill my eyes during worship, because it was so pure. So incredibly beautiful. After that glorious session, I went to dance with my fellow Israel travelers. Once practice was done, I drove home with my windows down, blasting worship music. I entered my neighborhood, and several kids were outside on their bikes enjoying the sunshine. I smiled at them as I drove by, and pulled up to my house. As I was parking, I noticed a little girl on her bike. I smiled and she smiled back, she seemed to be waiting for me. I turned off my car, gathered my things and got out. I smiled again as I looked at the girl, and she promptly said, " can I ask you a question?" "Of course!" I reply " Are you a Christian?" I smile even bigger at this precious girl, " Yes! I sure am! Are you?" At this point she's glowing. " Oh! I wasn't sure, because I heard your music and I wondered 'Is she a Christian?" I began chatting with this young girl. She's in 5th grade and very involved in her Church. She told me that when she grows up she is going to be a missionary to China. Her genuine love for The Lord blessed my very soul. Here was a precious, innocent little girl, so un tampered with by the world. And my hope and prayer for her is that she never loses hope of that dream. Because I remember having faith like that once. And I am beginning to remember what it feels like to live it. We chatted a while longer, and then parted ways. What a blessing. And today, after my first job, I stopped at chick fil a to get myself some lunch. The last meat i'll be eating for a while. I ordered my food, worship music playing again, and I noticed the gentleman in front of me staring at me through his car windows. I didn't think too much of it. As I was waiting to drive up to the window I thought " You know, why not? I'm going to pay for the meal of the people behind me." I pull up to the window, and to my complete shock, the woman said " The gentleman in front of you paid for your meal." I beamed and told her I would like to do the same for the people behind me. I couldn't believe it! God works in mysterious ways. I hope that that gentleman caused a chain reaction!

So this is my point, I suppose. Drawing nearer to God sounds intimidating. I'll admit there have been times, and until recently I WAS scared to give it all up. To give my life, my relationships, my hopes and desires completely to my Savior. The thought of giving him full control is terrifying, until we do. Even if it's piece by little piece, your life WILL begin to transform. You will no longer be seen, but Christ in you will shine. How glorious! I guess I just wanted to encourage all of you because, we have the power to change this world, and I don't want to offend anyone, but we're not going to do it by living mediocre Christian lives. We're not! We are called to stand boldly and courageously in our faith because we're not in control of anything anyway! Christ alone is! Let him chip away at you until the only thing that people can see is him! Because after all, there is nothing in heaven or on earth as glorious as our Savior.

But when I stop to remember...

This week has for sure been one of the most incredible I've had this year. And the truth is, it hasn't been for any other reason than the fact that God is good! And what I find most interesting about that statement, is the fact that I so often forget to really stop, and remember what that means. And that's what this week has mainly been about! Stopping... remembering...reflecting... letting the truth of My Savior seep into every part of my being. He is good. ALWAYS good. And because he is good, he has GOOD planned for my life.

You know, I'm at that strange time in life where I'm trying to figure out just what it is I'm supposed to do for the rest of  my life. I've gone to school of this, for that, travelled here, and there. I've been able to experience amazing things, and hard things. All of these experiences are things I'm beyond grateful for. They've shaped me into the woman I've become. And they will continue to shape me into the woman I'm becoming. I can look on the past, and see how the hand of Jesus was with me through every moment of my life, yet I somehow find it so terribly difficult to trust that he has my future. Or rather, I KNOW he has my future, I just want to know what's in it!

Ministry with teen girls and women has always been my soft spot. The Lord has placed that desire specifically on my heart since I was a little girl. And I am BEYOND grateful for that! I know that the plans he has for me in this ministry are bigger than my wildest imaginations, and I can't wait to see where he leads. But somehow I always want to be 10 steps ahead. When I really stop and look at the life I'm living, I am already blessed beyond measure at what The Lord has allowed me to do! I've gotten to go to places all around the world and befriend young women. I am a nanny to two pre-teen boys, and two beautiful little girls. I have had the incredible opportunity to build relationships with amazing young women through volunteering in my Church's Middle School youth group since my High School graduation. And not only that, but I have a pretty great following with my blog and RealTalk videos. HOLY COW!!!! HOW GOOD IS GOD?!?!?:D When I just stop...when I just remember...I am filled with utter joy!


The other night I had the privilege of attending a women's worship evening at my church. It was wonderful, my soul had been yearning for that kind of feeding for a while. As I stood among ladies from my own church, and another church, I was filled with such a beautiful peace, I don't quite know how to put it into words! The anointing of the Holy Spirit was flowing so freely, and it was a time when I stopped....I remembered all the things The Lord has already shown me. All the things I just need to take heart, and courage and go for! I remembered the countless times it has been prophesied over me that The Lord God Almighty HAS called me to be a voice to my generation, that he has called me to greater things than I could know to bring his light to our broken world! I was reminded of the fact that I have not a requirement, but a RESPONSIBILITY to live a life worthy of the calling Christ has for me. That I have young women watching how I live my life, so I better be living it for Christ. WHAT AN HONOR! I remembered this past summer when I was with my group in Israel for the last day. We were at the upper room, and The Lord began to speak boldly to each one of us. I remembered the truth he gave me through his word at that time.

Isaiah 49: 1-7

"Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: BEFORE I WAS BORN THE LORD CALLED ME; FROM MY MOTHER'S WOMB HE HAS SPOKEN MY NAME. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, " You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." But I said, " I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." And now The Lord says- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am HONORED in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my STRENGTH- he says "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I WILL ALSO MAKE YOU A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT MY SALVATION MAY REACH THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." This is what the Lord says- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: " Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, WHO IS FAITHFUL, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, WHO HAS CHOSEN YOU."


Holy cow. Every time I read that I just can't help but be in awe and wonder. And guess what? This amazing promise isn't just for me. It's for YOU. If we just stop...if we just remember what our lives are really about, then we can step into the incredible journey he has for us! It's so easy to forget...I know. I hear ya. And sometimes we don't even know what our calling is. But if we just stop and remember that every time we feel discouraged that BEFORE  we were BORN The Lord HIMSELF called us in our mother's wombs, he SPOKE OUR NAMES. HE HAS CHOSEN US! What an incredible honor. What an incredible responsibility. I don't  know...this week it's been hitting me more and more that being in love with Jesus isn't always enough. It's easy to be in love with Jesus when we're with like-minded people. It's easy to be in love with Jesus when we're all alone with our Bible's. But where are the people standing up for truth and justice in the midst of the darkest places? I know I can shy away from those places because they are too hard. But we have been CALLED, we have been CHOSEN. Oh that just gets my heart pumping with great expectation! We are at an absolutely pivotal point in history. Let us not grow weary of doing good as Galatians 6:9 says, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest  IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP! Wow. That is incredibly powerful. Let us not give up. Let us not give in. Let us stop....let us remember... Christ died so that we might LIVE. Let us truly start LIVING for Him.

True Love

Wedding season is upon us once more. In fact, it's been on for the past few months. And I absolutely love it. I always have. There's always something so special about Two lives becoming one. I have been to my fair share of weddings over the years, but this summer I had the privilege of being in two of my very best friends weddings, and there were some things that I observed that blew me away.


As a follower of Christ, weddings represent something far deeper than the joining of two lives. They symbolize Christ and his bride (the church). And that's part of why I love weddings so much. They are a literal picture of our Father's love for us. After all, if you stop to think about it from the beginning of time Christ has had your wedding day ordained. He has a specific plan and purpose for your life, even a specific person. Because when you seek his kingdom first, he will bring that person onto your path at some point or another. And that's tremendously exciting. But here's the best part, it's not just all about you.

During both of these weddings, I got to see the love that people in the lives of each couple had for those couples. This was demonstrated by their willingness to serve and do whatever they could to make the wedding day as special and as gorgeous as it could be. And that was again a representation of what the body of Christ is, or should be. A community that uplifts and helps wherever there is a need. It fills my spirit with joy just thinking about how amazing the willingness to serve was!!

And here's my favorite part of the weddings I was in this summer. Each couple has both individually and as a couple made Jesus Christ the center of their lives. He is the core of their existence and it was incredibly evident in their weddings, because they both had invited the Holy Spirit to be present at their weddings, and he was. Ceremonies that allow Him to come, are that much more amazing. There is a feeling that blankets the entire thing that you just can't quite describe. But it's one of the most phenomenal things you can experience on this earth. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a non-believer at a wedding like that, because the overwhelming sense of something more has to be an incredible feeling for someone who's never experienced it. The whole setting is different. The way the bride and groom look at each other, the vows they make are even more beautiful, everything is somehow deeper because of the love of Christ dwelling there.

And that's why weddings like that, couples like that, demonstrate true love. Not because there was this magical thing that pulled them together. It was the Spirit within each of them that drew them together. And it was a choice each of them made to stand by one another and love each other til death parts them. Because feelings of love will fade over time, but that commitment won't die if your anchor is The One True God. And that's so amazing. Wherever these couples end up, they will be serving The Lord. That's what true love is. It's never easy, it's not always fun. But it's beautiful and fulfilling because it was the call that came, and they answered.

After the incredible night we had at this last wedding, the other single girls and I were talking about how much hope we were filled with. Hope for the men that will someday enter our lives, whom we can stand beside and change this world with. And it wasn't just the young ones, the bride's  mother and grandmother both said that they would settle for nothing less. And it made me so happy to realize that when I pray for my husband now, and think of him and what he's doing, our Savior is already behind the scenes preparing for us to meet. Preparing us for our true love.

Freedom isn't Free

Gosh, it's been a while since I've posted on this blog. And to be quite fair, I miss it. Writing is a deep passion of mine, and it's hard when I get so busy that I don't have time to do it. But I have the afternoon off, and some thoughts that have been running through my head over the past few months.

At the end of May, I was lucky enough to be able to go on an incredible trip to Israel. There is no way I can begin to describe the trip or just how amazing it was. Every moment was incredible. Our main objective was to go over and perform for the Israeli military, and it was phenomenal. The performances were fun, and getting to see the bases and be in some crazy places was extraordinary. But my favorite part was having conversations with the soldiers. Getting to know just a tiny piece of their lives. And realizing that these are a people that fight literally every single day for their freedom. For them, war isn't a choice, it's their survival. I left Israel marveling at their bravery, their courage, and their undying devotion the Land that they love. The land that is theirs. And it got me thinking...

I have always been a very patriotic person. I love where I come from. I love what my Nation was founded on. American's as a whole tend to be pretty patriotic people, and though others disagree with me, I think that being patriotic is one of our best qualities.  Websters definition of patriotism is simply this "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." I just love that. It's not about thinking you're better than anyone else. It's not about winning. It's about being thankful for what you have, and the willingness to give your life for it. Patriotism is a clear picture of Christ's love for us when you really think about it. We were his country, and he was willing to be sacrificed for us. Why would we not do the same for all he's blessed us with? I know this probably seems like an out of the blue post to most of you, but stick with me. Summer time always fuels more American pride in me...probably because of the 4th of July. It makes me remember this one simple truth. I am beyond blessed to be an American. Yes, I disagree with a lot that goes on in our government. I don't like a lot of the ways people act these days, all self-entitled and self-centered. But I do recognize something great about my country. There are still people who work to keep what this Nation was founded on real. You have people who know that hard work is what will get you where you want to go in life, not free hand outs. You have people who have dreams bigger than the stars, and they know that in this land, that dream can become a reality. You know that you have the choice to raise your family with freedom, love, and truth because that's what this great Nation was founded on. You can do things other people would never dream of because you're an American. And that is a tremendous blessing. But those things don't come without sacrifice. Remember the definition of sacrifice is "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." And that's what really gets me. I have always had a deep love for our Nation's military. I'm often asked why, and to be quite honest... I'm not even certain. I remember vividly the first time it hit me. I was reciting a poem for the Memorial Day service at my church. After the service was finished, I sat in the pew and asked my mom why we celebrated Memorial Day, what was a veteran? She explained it to me, and as a 6 year old girl, I sat in that pew and wept. I felt such a sense of pride in those who had gone before me to secure my freedoms, those who were doing so right then. And it is a passion that has only grown. I think maybe the biggest reason I'm so drawn to the military is because it represents what SHOULD be important to us, whether you're an American or not. Valor, determination, courage, love, and above all SACRIFICE. The fact that there are men and women willing to give up everything for people who don't appreciate it ASTOUNDS me. And I guess I figure, if I can be strong enough to stand beside them, maybe it'll make what they have to endure just a little more bearable. I know this post is a few days after our Independence Day...but I think that's a good thing. I think it's important to remember why we have what we have every day, not just on the designated days.

When the group and I were flying home from Israel, I saw two American soldiers. I am and always will be that person who goes up to soldiers I see in airports or wherever, and thank them for their service. The first one I saw was a young man. He literally could've been 18 years old. I thanked him and he smiled, but didn't really say anything. The second was an older man who I saw right as I got off the plane in Denver. Everyone was hurrying so that we could see our families. I walked past him and everyone said "Kimberly, wait. Aren't you going to thank him?" And I realized that my family could wait just a few more minutes. I turned around and walked up to the man. "Excuse me Sir," he turned " I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you so much for serving our country. The military is a huge part of my heart, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you do." Now, I don't exactly know what this man's rank was. I didn't want to just stare, but I know he was an officer. "Wow." He said as he shook my hand "Thank you so much. People don't take the time to thank us anymore...you are a great American. I wish I had one of our coins or something to give you but they're all in my checked bag. I can't tell you what this means to me." We chatted a moment longer, and then I left to join the rest of my group and see my family. Two things happened to me in that moment. Pride that I got to stand beside those men, even for a moment, and also a deep sadness that they are so unappreciated. And maybe that's what this is about more than anything else. Maybe it's time we go back to acknowledging the deep price that's paid for us, and standing beside those who pay it. Thanking a soldier or firefighter or police man when you see them. Being proud of where you came from. And being patriotic. Because if we forget how to sacrifice for what's worth it to us, then we will forget what it means to cherish anything.

Faith in all things

Holy Cow people. Seriously. I just can't get over the goodness of our Savior. I can't get over saying it. I don't think I ever will. At least I hope not. And if you're getting annoyed by it...well, i'm not sorry! HA know why? Because ANY time glory can be brought to his name, I get excited. This life is all about him anyway, so why even bother talking about anything else? Okay...I know. That's super unrealistic, and quite frankly I don't think it would work...for the most part anyway. But now that that's done, let me get to the point in this whole thing!

For years I have been a worrier. I want to have everything figured out. I want to know the next step. I love surprises, but I don't. It's like I wanted to know the big things in life, and then i'd be fine. I know, I know. Impossible. And it is! But here is the coolest thing, when you truly put your faith in Christ, what's coming in the future doesn't really seem to matter. Well, it does, but somehow you know that it's going to be GREAT because God HAS GOT YOU! Even if you walk through the deepest hell, with Christ as your hope, it's not as scary as it once was. I seriously used to lay in bed at night and worry about what to do next. Where was I going? What was I going to do wiht my life? Could God even use me? If I didn't find my "calling" would I be less than everybody else? I seriously used to THINK I was less than everyone else in every way. Wow how glorious is our God that he gives us beauty for ashes? WOO HOO!

You know those rare times in life when you just have a sweet day? Either it's a really great day with family or friends or something, and you're just filled with a feeling you can't explain. It's just about as close to perfect as you can get? You're just filled with complete joy and awe at the awesomeness of what just happened? Well, i've had those before. And they were great. But seriously few and far in-between. But i'm telling you, after completly surrendering, I am just filled with that joy constantly. Seriously, i'm like a little bouncing ball of happy. Believe me, there are rough moments. That's life. But when I fix my eyes on him above, holy moly. And guess what? THAT is what he is calling us to! Give it all to him, and his joy inside of you will be endless! Because no matter what comes, you belong to him. AMEN!

Be blessed my dear brothers and sisters. All my love.

The greatness of our God

Holy Cow. I'm seriously just blown away by my Savior. He is so unbelievably good. It astounds me. The past few days have been a really sweet time with him. Yesterday, I just spent like 4 hours in his presence. It was incredible. I wish I could spend all day every day like that. Playing music, worshiping him through prayer, reading scripture, journaling. Ah. Makes me jealous of yesterday! HAHA. Not really though, because hey, he decided to bless me immensley again today.

Every Tuesday morning at 5:30, there is prayer meeting for the women of my church. It is one of the most incredible things i've ever been a part of. But the past probably...5 weeks or so, i've been so busy and I haven't made it. I've been missing it so much. So last night I determined that I was GOING to go! I even went to bed early! Here's the problem, right now in school we're working on a big project. So my phone was blowing up all night with text messages from the people in my group. Every time I heard a little buzz, I would wake up and get frustrated. Finally I was like "UGH. I'm going to turn my phone completly off. I'll just go to prayer next week." I felt in my Spirit that I would miss out if I didn't go, but at that point, i'm dissapointed to say I didn't really care. But Praise the Lord that he knows our needs better than we need our own! This morning I woke up with a jolt. I was about to try and go back to sleep, when I felt my Savior's prompting. I turned on my phone. It was 5:15. I threw on clothes, brushed my teeth, and went to prayer. And you know what? It was the most amazing one I have ever experienced. We lifted up our Nation in prayer, and God blessed each of us women with something very special. His love and power were so think, and tangible there that I can't even begin to explain. And the greatest part is that I don't even feel that sleepy. It's amazing how when our focus is on HIM alone, he restores, sustains, and keeps us in every way possible. I pray that each of you have an incredibly blessed day. Don't let your own selfishness or insecurities hold you back from ANYTHING you feel HIM calling you to do. Much love xoxo

To Whom Much is Given

Hello dear people! I hope that you are filled with indescribable joy and peace. And if you're not...you SHOULD be! Know why? Because you belong to the creator of all. And even when life is HARD, he is STILL worthy of praise. I've been learning this the hard way the past few weeks. Don't get me wrong. I've always known it. And i've always tried to live by it. But i'm telling you what, lately, it hasn't been easy. Lately, i've been selfish. That's not good. Not okay with me. And here is the reason why...because my situation should not determine my heart or my attitude. Life is all about taking the things that come our way and choosing how to deal with those things. Because the bottom line is, we DO have a choice. That means we can find our joy in the Lord, or we can let whatever is going on steal our joy. Crazy huh?

"To whom much is given, much is expected." This has been floating around my mind a lot lately. And I feel i've had recent revelation of what it means. I always used to think that this meant when you were blessed with things like money, talent, etc. you were meant to share that. I think that's part of it for sure...but not all of it. Here's the part i've been learning a lot more lately. When we're given a lot of hard things, a lot is expected from us. This means that when you're given a situation that no one would want to live with, we as believers have a responsibility to take that situation, and use it for good. Whatever you're handed was handed to you for a reason. If you're always going through hard things, then guess what? You can help a lot of hurting people. If you can learn to live in love even when life is hard, well...I don't think there's anything more like being Jesus with skin on than that.

I don't know. Maybe you'll disagree with me. And that's fine. I don't need you to agree. I just know that when it comes to me, no longer am I going to wallow in my sorrow. No longer am I going to let anything steal my joy! I am Jesus'. This life is ALL because of him. Why would I not live it for him?